Overview & Reviews

During the course of two generations, the Buick LaCrosse has been a large, five-passenger sedan. That's really where the similarities end, though, as they are radically different cars indicative of much different eras for the Buick brand.

The first LaCrosse was the epitome of old Buick, in more ways than one. Bland to look at, blander to drive and with a cabin filled with subpar materials, it was a decade behind the times. Its large size and simple controls at least made it popular among senior car shoppers. The current-generation LaCrosse, however, is a far more modern, stylish and overall impressive automobile that is not only one of the better full-size sedans you can buy, but even gives certain luxury-branded large sedans a run for their money. Regardless of your age, it's definitely worth consideration.

Current Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a large sedan that blends modern styling and surprisingly accomplished handling with traditional Buick traits like light-effort steering and a cushy ride. The base engine consists of a mild-hybrid setup dubbed "eAssist" that pairs a 2.4-liter 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine with an 11-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Fuel mileage estimates for this roomy sedan are impressive, at almost 30 mpg combined. A 3.6-liter V6 with 303 hp is also available. A six-speed automatic is the lone transmission choice either way. Front-wheel drive is standard, though V6 buyers can also opt for all-wheel drive.

There are four trim levels: base, Leather, Premium 1 and Premium 2. Even the base is well equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, OnStar, Bluetooth, a USB/iPod interface and smartphone integration. Moving up through the trims provides an ever-growing standard features list -- a rearview camera, heated and ventilated front seats and xenon headlights among them -- culminating in the Premium 2, which counts 20-inch wheels and a navigation system among its standard niceties. Packages are available that add options that include blind-spot, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the LaCrosse's appealing dual nature. Those looking for a traditional, plush Buick ride will be pleased. At the same time, so will those looking for a more engaging full-size sedan, as the LaCrosse is surprisingly nimble and sure-footed given its size. It's not a sport sedan, but it is on par with the Lexus ES 350, and gives up nothing in ride comfort. Spirited acceleration makes the 3.6-liter V6 the obvious choice for those who demand some old-fashioned grunt from their big sedan, though the high fuel efficiency of the eAssist powertrain makes its sluggish acceleration a lot easier to tolerate.

The LaCrosse also impresses in non-dynamic respects. The backseat is roomy and comfortable, and the front seats offer firm support that's more German sedan than American land yacht. The dashboard design is sleek and sophisticated, and materials quality is good except for some rough plastic edges and superfluous chrome here and there. Buick's Intellilink electronics control is dominated by a large touchscreen that does a fairly good job of controlling infotainment tasks both simple (changing a radio station) and complicated (entering a navigation destination). One of our few complaints involves the 13-cubic-foot trunk, which is unusually small for this segment. The hybrid's trunk shrinks even more -- down to 10.8 cubic feet -- to accommodate the battery pack.

Used Buick LaCrosse Models
The second-generation LaCrosse debuted for 2010 and was offered in base CX, midlevel CXL and top-of-the-line CXS trim levels. Initially, there were two V6 engines offered: a 255-hp, 3.0-liter V6 and a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Later that model year, a 182-hp, 2.4-liter inline-4 became the base engine, but it's quite underpowered and we'd avoid it. The smaller V6 was dropped the following year and the four-cylinder version gained a new electric power steering system. The eAssist hybrid replaced the base four-cylinder for '12.

These LaCrosse models sold prior to 2014 had slightly different exterior styling and Buick's previous-generation interior electronics controls that featured a great many buttons and could be confusing to use. Intellilink's smartphone integration features as well as electronic safety features like lane change alerts and rear cross traffic alerts were also unavailable prior to '14.

The first-generation Buick LaCrosse was produced for the 2005-'09 model years. Its basic platform was similar to that of a few other General Motors products, including the Pontiac Grand Prix. Its highlights were available six-passenger seating (with a front bench seat), a large trunk and a soft, isolated and quiet ride.

There were three trim levels for most of the original LaCrosse's run: CX, CXL and CXS. The Super model joined the lineup in 2008. The CX and CXL were powered by GM's venerable 3.8-liter, 200-horsepower V6, while the CXS got a 3.6-liter V6 good for 240 hp, and the Super was motivated by a 5.3-liter small-block V8 providing 300 hp. All engines routed their power to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The CX came with basics like air-conditioning and full power accessories, while the CXL stepped up to leather upholstery, automatic climate control and more upscale exterior trim. The CXS added the peppier V6, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a quicker steering ratio and a split-folding rear seat. The top-of-the-line Super featured a broad-shouldered V8, a sport suspension, unique front and rear styling and dual chrome exhaust outlets.

In reviews, our editors found the first-generation Buick LaCrosse to be a mixed bag. On the plus side, the car offered Buick's traditional soft, quiet ride, and acceleration was fine, particularly with the Super's V8, a rarity in a front-drive luxury car. The gauges were easily read, and storage space was ample thanks to the roomy 16-cubic-foot trunk.

However, we thought the soft seats unsupportive on longer drives, and found the car's faux wood trim and standard "mouse fur" upholstery a bit hokey. Furthermore, there was an abundance of cheap plastics on the center console, and the backseat offered rather tight accommodations for a car this size. As you might expect, the LaCrosse was "LaConfused" when driven through corners with any gusto, displaying significant body roll and lazy steering response. The four-speed automatic was another liability, as competing cars typically offered more efficient five- and six-speed units.

Notable changes during the original Buick LaCrosse's run began in 2006, when head-protecting side curtain airbags and antilock brakes became standard on all models. The Super joined the lineup for 2008, while Bluetooth was added (and the CXS model dropped) for 2009, the last year of production.

User Reviews:

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  A Truly Stunning Buick - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By MichaelB - January 15 - 3:14 pm

  After one week, I am even more glad that I waited an extra six months until I get could one. The 2010 LaCrosse is so far ahead of any other Buick product I have ever owned, including my wifes 09 Enclave which we love. It surpasses Lexus interior design and quality, moves along at a whisper and handles with a decidely European feel. The dashboard and ambient blue lighting is a marvel of design and the doors sound like a Mercedes when they close. Tight fit and finish, luxurious and definitely draws stares from admirers. The transmission is silky smooth, steering tight and the interior is roomy and tranquil. The wood tones are warm and realistic, fine leather, gorgeous wheels. A home run Buick

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  Great Car!!!! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Jamie R. - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  I saw the Buick Lacrosse in car magazines and couldnt wait to see and drive. Test drove the Hyundai Genesis,Infinity G37, Volkswagen CC and Ford Taurus. Lacrosse was hands down far superior in styling,interior features, comfort and ride quality. Bought car for my wife now she wont let me drive it.

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  Am I driving a Buick or a Lexus? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Lexus vs LaCrosse - January 11 - 8:34 pm

  Ive had my new LaCrosse for a week now. This is a company car for me, so Im not assessing a purchase...Im just offering some honest feedback from my first week. Overall, I love the car! Looks, feels, and sounds just like a previous Lexus I owned. But if I was spending my own money, Id still buy the Lexus ES350 because it all comes down to two things for me: 1. Reliability (which the jury is still out on the new LaCrosse), and 2. resale value. Lexus has both...GM has neither. However, I want to see GM succeed, so I hope the LaCrosse is the first step to many prosperous years for GM. Build quality cars and and people will come back.

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  My 7th Buick - Best One By Far - - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Bob B. - January 7 - 4:54 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Beautiful design. People walk around it all the time to take a look at it. Very quiet with no wind noise. More of a firm ride for a Buick, but very acceptable. The seats are very comfortable. Got 27 MPG on first road trip. The 3.0 V6 provides sufficient power. The interior space is layed out nicely. I cant wait until it gets dark outside to view the ambient blue lighting along the dashboard and throughout the interior of the vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle. They are hard to find. Not very many of them in stock at the dealerships. If you locate one that you like, buy it!

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  This is a Buick? - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Robert Cobb - January 5 - 6:40 am

  this is my 5th Buick, the last one a 2007 Lucerne. Its only been a month since I bought the LaCrosse but thus far no complaints. The ride is Buick comfortable, albeit sportier than the Lucerne. Everyone who has ridden in the LaCrosse raves about the ride and the interior and I love driving it. Gas mileage on the 3.0 has been about 20.3 mostly residential driving and some freeway. The 3.0 has plenty of power on the freeway.

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  Engine, Transmission problems at 20K - 2007 Buick LaCrosse
  By Nothappywithbuick - December 23 - 7:16 am

  Ok, its been at the dealer more than at my house for the past 6 weeks. With only 22k miles on it, it needs a new cylinder head, gaskets, etc... just a few weeks ago, it was shifting hard so they reprogrammed the Transmission Module. After owning years of Oldsmobile (Intriges, Alero, Cutlass) I have to say, Im done with GM Junk. Ford or Imports only for me.

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  My Best Car Ever! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Weichman - December 21 - 6:08 pm

  I have owned Cadillacs, Lincolns and Lexus this car out performs them all and sells for $10,000 less. General Motors has a real winner in this model.

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  New Class of World Class! - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Kevin - December 16 - 12:34 pm

  I sold my 2001 TDI Beetle and bought this beauty. I miss the fuel economy but I dont miss the rough ride. Im 46 and the driving experience of this car is fantastic! I look forward to just getting in and going for a drive. The 3.6 V6 has all kinds of power and the 6 Speed Transmission is very smooth! Low RPMS at 65 mpg. This car is very quiet. I cant believe its running when at a stop light. The A frame supports in the front have been getting a bad rap, I personally dont notice them and have had no trouble seeing anything while driving. The high sides & low window profile are an added touch and they make me feel safe. The Sweepspear in the side rearview mirror is awesome!

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  Not a bad start - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By George Orw - December 14 - 6:50 pm

  Got this car a few weeks ago. I am impressed by the design. A major step for quite a while for GM. Kudos to the Chinese team for improving the mold and making this Buick futuristic. As for the rest of the car, Handling is a big stiff and a big slow ended. THe car does not move with the thrust the way the car looks. The transmission is pretty smooth but seems to get laggy between shifts.

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  Amazing Automobile - 2010 Buick LaCrosse
  By Frank - December 14 - 6:41 pm

  I have owned my LaCrosse for about a week. It is a great car and in my opinion, a very big bargain at MSRP, yet alone what I was able to buy mine for. Also, with the help of a great GM dealer, I was able to cash in on some not very well known rebates and get great financing, which I could not get on my own. Yes, the car is is not perfect as there are minor storage and convenience issues, as well as marginal 0-60 performance times. However, what it does well, it does better than any other car Ive driven. It is the most comfortable, best riding and best handling sedan Ive ever been in and Ive been in a bunch. The comfort, ride, handling and features are amazing, especially at its price.